Being the most prestigious football league in Europe, the English Premier League (EPL) is home to some of the most iconic matches in football history. From nail-biting comebacks to commanding wins, these iconic matches have made EPL’s reputation the peak of football drama. Here are some of the most memorable EPL matches that left an unerasable mark.
Manchester City 3-2 QPR (2012) – ‘Agueroooo!’
On a fair-weathered spring, a miracle happened in the Premier League. Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers match was on May 13, 2012, the final day of the 2011-12 season. City needed a win to guarantee the title ahead of Manchester United, who were playing Sunderland.
City found themselves 2-1 down against 10-man QPR with just minutes to go, and United had already beaten Sunderland 1-0. This meant City had to find two goals in stoppage time. The game was ending, but in the 92nd minute, Edin Džeko equalised the game. Avid fans, television, and every football betting website were dying in anticipation.
City has to win this, and every player on the team is desperate. In the 83rd minute, Sergio Agüero played a quick one-two with Mario Balotelli, skipped past a tackle, and smashed the ball past Paddy Kenny. As it happens, Martin Tyler’s famous commentary shook the stadium ‘AGUEROOOOO! I swear you’ll never see anything like this ever again. So watch it, drink it in.’ In the end, Manchester City won the title on goal difference over United.
Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle (1996)
This game between Liverpool and Newcastle on April 3, 1996, at Anfield is often regarded as the ‘most exciting match in English football history. It happened on an overcast spring day, and the two teams are already in a friction. Newcastle United had been leading the league but had started to falter while Liverpool were still chasing European qualification.
Both teams have some of their best attackers primed for the game, leading to a thrilling match where goals rained every 10 minutes or less. For the finale, John Barnes and Ian Rush assisted Stan Collymore, who took the winning shot at the near post in the 90th minute.
Arsenal 4-4 Tottenham (2008)
Played on October 29, 2008, at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal was then managed by Arsène Wenger and was expected to dominate the game since it is home. Tottenham had just appointed Harry Redknapp as manager, looking to turn their season around after a poor start.
The first half went by quickly, with Tottenham grabbing the first point against Arsenal, but the home team equalised in the 37th minute. The second half was even more exciting, with Arsenal drowning out Tottenham by taking two points, but the streak ended when Tottenham’s Darren Bent scored a goal.
In retaliation, Arsenal’s Robin van Persie restored Arsenal’s two-goal lead. Eaten by desperation, Tottenham gave it their all and scored two more goals in less than 10 minutes. This dramatic comeback became one of the most iconic moments in North London Derby history.
Leicester City 5-3 Manchester United (2014)
On September 21, 2014, at King Power Stadium, began a legendary underdog win. Leicester were newly promoted and looking to prove themselves. Manchester United, under Louis van Gaal, had just signed Ángel Di María, Radamel Falcao, and Daley Blind—which gave everyone high expectations.
Manchester United scored two points in the first half, but Leicester City scored one for themselves. The second half was no different as United took another goal, but it all changed in the 64th minute when Leicester’s Esteban Cambiasso smashed home a quick equaliser. Cheers took over the stadium as United took an intense beating.
Even with this win, Leicester City were still on the verge of relegation, but this match allowed them to enter the next season with a 5,000-1 chance of winning the league.
Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham (2016) – ‘The Battle of the Bridge’
It happened on a spring day on May 2, 2016, at Stamford Bridge. Tottenham had been chasing their first league title since 1961 and had to win to keep the race alive. Chelsea had a poor season behind them and were determined to deny Spurs the title due to their rivalry. If the Spurs fail to win, Leicester City will be crowned Premier League champions.
Tottenham dominated the game for the first half, ending the first 45 minutes with two points. Chelsea had zero points until their very first in the 58th minute. At this point, their plan was not to win but to tie the game. Fueled by rivalry, both teams struggled to meet their goals, but Chelsea managed to score another one, successfully tying the game.
With the game ending in a draw, the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ was the match that confirmed Leicester City as Premier League champions for the 2015-16 season, leading to the ‘greatest underdog win of all time.’
Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal (2011)
This historic moment on August 28, 2011, is still considered as Arsenal’s greatest humiliation. Arsenal lost key players that summer, including Cesc Fàbregas and Samir Nasri, and they had a depleted squad due to injuries and suspensions. This forced Arsène Wenger to deploy young and inexperienced players.
The landslide win was foreshadowed in the first half when goals started pouring, with United securing three while Arsenal only had one. The second half was no different as United scored six goals, effectively destroying Arsenal, which only secured one.
This loss remains Arsenal’s worst Premier League defeat, and this became Manchester United’s statement victory.
Newcastle 5-0 Manchester United (1996)
In the early days of the Premier League, an unexpected defeat was about to happen. One of the most famous Premier League dominations was recorded in Newcastle and Manchester United’s faceoff on October 20, 1996, at St. James’ Park. Manchester United had beaten Newcastle 4-0 in the 1996 Charity Shield months before. This was revenge for Newcastle, and they made sure to deliver.
Throughout the game, Newcastle was determined to destroy Manchester United and forced the team to commit many mistakes. While desperately halting United to score a goal, they aggressively took points until United’s morale was crushed.
West Brom 5-5 Manchester United (2013) – Sir Alex Ferguson’s Farewell Game
After 26 years of service for Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson was supposed to celebrate a win, but it ended in a shocking draw that put a smile on the face of the legendary manager. The game on May 19, 2013, at The Hawthorns, was expected to be a routine victory, but it became completely unexpected. United had already secured the title, so this was just a farewell celebration for Ferguson.
For the first 30 minutes, United scored three goals already, but before the halftime ended, West Brom retaliated by scoring two goals. After the break, United took two more goals—which became their final game points. West Brom accomplished one of the greatest comebacks by scoring three goals in five minutes.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s final match ended in a chaotic 5-5 draw—the first and only 5-5 in Premier League history.
Remembering the Premier League’s drama, comebacks, and unforgettable thrills
These legendary games shaped the culture of the English Premier League football scene. From intense revenge matches to dramatic farewells, these games will forever be marked as some of the most iconic matches. As it happened, everyone watching at the stadiums, television, and every football betting website will always remember the intensity and excitement of those days.